13 Reasons Living In Cleveland Is The Best And Everyone Should Move Here

Little inspires Clevelanders more than hardship. As a city built on iron and steel manufacturing, it is no stranger to hard luck and harder work. Cleveland is pulling itself out of economic devastation, with revitalized manufacturing, increased agricultural output, and a booming building, development and engineering industry. The job market is growing and diversifying, giving the city a young vibe despite lingering nostalgia for the olden days.

As well as comebacks in industry, Cleveland is reigning in basketball and baseball. Not one expert picked the Cavaliers to win the NBA Championship; and not one expert picked the Indians to make it to the World Series. Yet here we are! Clevelanders couldn’t be prouder of their teams, and let’s face it: everyone likes the satisfaction of saying ‘I told you so.'

Besides this, no matter how long the Browns’ drought lasts, supporters still pack into the stadium, and sports bars on every corner to watch the game. Fair warning, though: you have to earn your Cleveland cred before you’re allowed to say anything bad about the Browns.

You probably know that LeBron James is the best basketball player of this generation (and possibly of all time). But what you might not know is that he is also an activist and philanthropist. His charity raises money to provide university scholarships, and help to low-income families. Moreover he has been outspoken about racial equality and politics, encouraging people to make their voices heard.

Perhaps one of the more unexpected gems of Cleveland is the Cleveland Museum of Art. It was recently named the second best art museum in the United States, second only to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The permanent collection competes with not only the Met, but with some of the fine art museums of Europe. It includes Van Gogh, Turner, Monet, Degas, Caravaggio, Botticelli, and Manet, among many others. Best of all? It’s totally free, every day of the year!

The Natural History Museum has an observatory, a wildlife enclosure, and free lectures a few days a week. There is even a small Museum of Contraception, which takes you through the history of childbirth, birth control, and women’s rights in Cleveland, the US and the world.

Another museum that deserves its own category is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The term ‘rock and roll’ was coined by a local Cleveland radio DJ in the early 1950s, who became known for promoting African American artists and hosting concerts with racially mixed audiences. The museum itself was designed by I.M. Pei, who also designed the Louvre in Paris. If you’re a rock and roll fan, the museum’s collection of memorabilia is a must-see.

From rock and roll to show tunes, Cleveland’s Playhouse Square is the largest performing arts center outside of New York. Almost 100 years old, the theatres fell into disuse and disrepair in the late 1960s. They were saved by a group of artists and activists in the 1970s, who worked to revitalize the whole area. Now, Playhouse Square proudly hosts travelling Broadway productions, promotes local performing arts education, and welcomes over 1 million visitors every year.

Beaches on Lake Erie, to soccer fields, hiking trails, golf greens, and the Cleveland Zoo… The Cleveland Metroparks have all your outdoor needs covered. They offer fun, educational activities for kids, families, and adults to keep you active and entertained all year ‘round. Get creepy with murder mystery walks, and crawly with some new eight-legged friends. Buy local produce from a farmers’ market, and snap a few pics for the photography competition.

8. Cleveland will probably choose the next president (and the next, and the next...)

Here’s a good piece of pub trivia: Ohio has predicted every presidential election (except 1960) since 1944. Candidates spend weeks of the campaign just trying to win voters in Ohio. Not only does this mean that your vote truly counts here, but it also means that you get to live in a state where political differences are right at the forefront without being divisive. Your neighborhood may be divided along party lines, but they’ll still #rallytogether for the next Indians game.

Housing prices in Cleveland are still relatively low in a lot of inner-city neighborhoods. Places like Lakewood, Ohio City, and Gordon Square are being revitalized, and empty storefronts everywhere are being turned into hip cafes, craft breweries, and cheap and delicious restaurants. However, like all of the Rustbelt cities, prices are on the rise in more desirable neighborhoods, so get in quick!

Okay, so the public transport system here needs a bit of work, but who needs buses when you can bike everywhere? Cleveland is pretty flat, and the roads are wide, making it a commuting cyclist’s heaven. Some neighborhoods have started to add bike lanes to make cycling easier and safer, and the buses also have bike racks on the front for long-haul trips. Just in case your extra-toned butt isn’t enough of a reward, it’s also cheaper and greener than driving or taking public transport.

The best part of saving on rent is that you can spend it on living! Use some of the money you save on rent to try one of the dozens of Cleveland craft beers and micro brews. Or huddle up out of the cold with a delicious coffee at a cozy neighborhood café. Pick up an artisan bagel on your way to work, or some pierogies on the way home. Cleveland's hipster scene is thriving, but without the Portland prices.

When you picture the Midwest, you probably picture miles and miles of corn, cows, and open space. I admit that before I moved to Cleveland, I pictured the same thing. But what is surprising is how close things actually are here. Drive less than three hours out of Cleveland and you can be in Columbus, Detroit, Pittsburgh, or Buffalo. That’s less than a commute to work in LA! Make a weekend out of it, and in five hours you’re in Indianapolis, Chicago, Charleston, or Toronto.

Finally, if you choose to be in Cleveland, Clevelanders have your back. Whether it’s the regulars at the local dive bar who proudly welcome you with a pat on the back, or the friend-of-a-friend who says they’ll keep an eye out for jobs you might like, you’ll never feel unwelcome here. Total strangers will wish you a good day, or offer to help if you look like you need it. Everyone here wants you to know and love Cleveland like they do, and they’re more than happy to help you get there. And trust me, you will.

What’s your favorite thing about Cleveland? The people? The parks? The Cavs? Let us know in the comments!